Definitions

lively

[lahyv-lee] / ˈlaɪv li /

ADJECTIVE

energetic, active, busy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

animated bright buoyant bustling cheerful enjoyable entertaining festive frisky nimble peppy provocative refreshing spirited stimulating vigorous

WEAK

agile alert animate astir blithe blithesome bouncy brisk buzzing chipper chirpy complex dashing driving effervescent enterprising frolicsome full of pep gay go-go happy hyper industrious involved jocund jumping keen merry perky pert quick rousing snappy sparkling sprightly spry stirring vivacious zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic depressed down dull gloomy heavy inactive lethargic sad somber unhappy unpleasant

WEAK

dispirited lifeless sleepy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On a sunny Saturday morning in Los Angeles, 22-year-old Aran Singh Multani drives into the lively heart of the University of Southern California Village.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

It was lively, almost giving off speed-dating vibes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Describing her mother as "really lively and fit", Jane said she would exercise daily, help run the family transport business and her own animal feed venture.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

In the usually lively alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City, silence reigned on Easter Sunday, the holiday overshadowed by the war.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Music wafted through the dusk—the trill and wail of a klezmer’s violin rivaled by a woman fiddling a lively Irish jig.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Vocabulary lists containing lively

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

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List 2

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"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia, List 2

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